The Mouth Is Stubborn, But the Body Is Quite Honest [Rebirth] - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: 032 How Could She Bear to Refuse Such a Gu Linlang…

The System was clearly caught off guard by Gu Linlang’s response, stuttering slightly: “Uh… according to the rules, Host, you cannot select all of them.”

“Rules?” Gu Linlang scoffed lightly. “Aren’t rules made to be broken?” However, she wasn’t truly expecting the System to change the rules. She had simply found a way to make Qi Wanyang happy and was now completely energized.

Just as Gu Linlang was about to tell the System she chose the random draw, the System suddenly spoke: “The Host has a point! Seeing how motivated you are this time, I can apply for a special exception for you. If you can complete all three missions within today, your current Love Value score will double. But if you fail to complete them, your existing Love Value will be cleared. This is a significant challenge. Does the Host accept?”

Double or zero? This was indeed an exciting gamble.

But Gu Linlang didn’t care at the moment. In fact, rather than completing a System mission, she genuinely wanted to do these things right now, and she was confident she could succeed!

“No problem, deal!” Gu Linlang readily agreed.

Time flew, and it was soon noon. Qi Wanyang had originally planned to invite Gu Hongyi and Gu Linlang to lunch.

However, Gu Hongyi had to travel abroad for business negotiations in the afternoon and would be leaving for the airport soon.

Before leaving, Gu Hongyi specifically instructed Gu Linlang to take good care of Qi Wanyang.

The opportunity was delivered right to her, and Gu Linlang naturally had no reason to refuse.

After hugging her dad goodbye, she and Qi Wanyang took the elevator downstairs together.

In the parking lot, Gu Linlang noticed that Qi Wanyang had neither brought a driver nor driven her usual black Bentley. Instead, she had a sleek and rather eye-catching silver Porsche.

Seeing Qi Wanyang already settling into the driver’s seat, Gu Linlang hesitated for only a second before swiftly opening the passenger door and sliding in: “Ms. Qi, you don’t mind giving me a ride, do you?”

Qi Wanyang glanced at Gu Linlang’s brightly colored red Maserati parked nearby, a slight smile on her lips: “Not at all.”

Gu Linlang had just fastened her seatbelt when Qi Wanyang gently stepped on the gas. The Porsche let out a low growl and smoothly drove out of the parking space.

“What do you want to eat?”

“Where do you want to go?”

They spoke simultaneously and then both burst into laughter.

“Since I’m the host, I’ll choose the restaurant,” Gu Linlang said. “Navigate to KM Mall. There’s a good Western restaurant there.”

“KM Mall, is it? Okay.” After setting the navigation using voice command, Qi Wanyang said, “You choose the restaurant, but the bill is on me. I really appreciate your help this time. Also, back at Haicui Pavilion, I misjudged you. I apologize.”

“Since Ms. Qi is apologizing so sincerely, this Miss will graciously forgive you~” Gu Linlang smiled, her eyes curving into crescent moons. “But this meal must be on me. Don’t you dare fight me for the bill. I’ll get angry if you do.”

Qi Wanyang chuckled softly at her words, her tone gentle: “Then I shall humbly accept.”

A short while later, the two arrived at the nearby KM Mall.

After parking in the underground garage, they walked side by side into the elevator.

The elevator slowly ascended, stopping at the fourth floor.

Gu Linlang, familiar with the route, led Qi Wanyang to an elegantly decorated Western restaurant.

The waiters greeted Gu Linlang warmly, clearly indicating she was a regular here.

Qi Wanyang watched Gu Linlang chatting casually with the waiters and suddenly felt a little uneasy.

She’s so familiar with this place. How many people has she brought here to eat?

But these thoughts were fleeting. Qi Wanyang quickly suppressed the inappropriate feelings.

After all, the crisis at Qi’an hadn’t fully passed, and she still hadn’t fulfilled her grandmother’s dying wish. She had no time for romantic musings.

Gu Linlang led Qi Wanyang to a window seat, where the outside scenery was fully visible.

A waiter handed them the menu. Gu Linlang cheerfully ordered their food, easily completing the first mission.

As for the gift and making Qi Wanyang smile, she planned to tackle them together.

But what gift would genuinely make Qi Wanyang happy?

She couldn’t think of a good idea right away.

However, Gu Linlang was generally optimistic and decided to enjoy the meal first.

Soon, the delicious dishes were brought to the table. The two chatted and laughed while tasting the food. The atmosphere was as relaxed as if two long-lost old friends had reunited.

Although Gu Linlang was usually carefree, she was exceptionally sensitive and attentive when it came to things she cared about.

For instance, now she noticed that Qi Wanyang was clearly forcing a smile.

Every time their eyes met, Qi Wanyang would quickly look away, not meeting her gaze openly.

Those beautiful peach-blossom eyes that usually sparkled were noticeably dimmer now…

Just as she was thinking this, Qi Wanyang suddenly took a call and stepped outside.

Watching her slender back, Gu Linlang unconsciously frowned.

Suddenly, Gu Linlang’s attention was caught by a bouquet of roses in a glass vase on the cashier’s counter.

The flowers were vibrant and attractive.

A flash of inspiration crossed Gu Linlang’s eyes. She seemed to have an idea.

When Qi Wanyang returned and sat down, Gu Linlang secretively announced she was going to perform a magic trick.

Qi Wanyang recalled that Gu Linlang had performed magic at the freshman gala in college. Her technique was skilled, earning rounds of applause from the audience.

What kind of magic trick would she perform now? Qi Wanyang couldn’t help but feel a little anticipation.

Gu Linlang pulled a plain white handkerchief from her pocket. With a flick of her fingers, the cloth unfolded lightly like a cloud.

Qi Wanyang leaned in to look. It was empty. She couldn’t even find a loose thread.

“Watch closely now.” Gu Linlang waved her right palm upwards, opening and closing her fingers so quickly it was a blur. She had been practicing this sleight of hand since high school, skilled like a seasoned street magician.

“Wanyang, come on, give it some fairy dust~” She suddenly covered her right hand with the handkerchief and winked at Qi Wanyang slyly.

Her spirited, impish look made her seem like a little witch casting a spell.

Qi Wanyang’s lips unconsciously curved upwards. She played along, leaning in and gently blowing a puff of air, as if injecting energy into the “magic.”

“It’s time to witness the miracle!” Gu Linlang flipped her wrist. A red rose, dotted with glistening water droplets, suddenly appeared in her palm, emitting an intoxicating fragrance.

“Beautiful lady, would you accept this?” Gu Linlang smiled, offering the rose to Qi Wanyang.

Qi Wanyang’s eyes met Gu Linlang’s, which were no longer prickly but filled with sincerity. The softest spot in her heart was gently touched.

How could she bear to refuse such a Gu Linlang?

“With the greatest pleasure, Miss Magician.” Qi Wanyang accepted the rose and lowered her head to inhale its scent. The rich fragrance instantly dispelled the gloom of her recent days, and her smile brightened naturally.

Gu Linlang looked at Qi Wanyang’s beautiful, captivating smile and felt as if the whole world had lit up.

The surrounding noises seemed to fade away at that moment, leaving only her and Qi Wanyang.

Their eyes met involuntarily, and for a moment, neither wanted to look away.

In that instant, Gu Linlang suddenly realized that she truly loved Qi Wanyang’s smile.

This genuine, heartfelt smile was vibrant and lively, like the most beautiful rose in April, carrying the crystalline freshness and fragrance of dew, making one want to cup it in their hands and cherish it carefully.

Suddenly, Gu Linlang felt a sharp pain in her head. In this brief, splitting headache, she seemed to see a blurry face, a face that also radiated a smile that made her heart flutter.

And she seemed to have had the same thought about that smile as she did now—she wanted to get closer, and she wanted to protect it…

“Ding. Congratulations, Host, on completing this special challenge mission. According to the previous agreement, the Love Value you have earned will be doubled!”

The System’s sudden voice snapped Gu Linlang back to reality. The already blurry face in her mind quickly vanished. Gu Linlang shook her head, not dwelling on it further.

The rose Gu Linlang used for the magic trick was one she had bought from the waiter at the cashier. Qi Wanyang had accepted it, was amused by her, and showed a genuine smile.

In addition, she had specifically paid for the bill when she bought the rose. Now, all three missions were completed in one go. Over a thousand Love Value points were easily secured. Gu Linlang’s heart was bubbling with joy.

After the pleasant meal, Gu Linlang followed Qi Wanyang back to her car.

She watched Qi Wanyang carefully place the rose into a small vase given to them by the restaurant waiter. The white porcelain of the vase made the red rose appear even more vibrant.

“Linlang, thank you. I’m very happy today.” Qi Wanyang turned her head, smiling at Gu Linlang.

Gu Linlang looked into those beautiful, expressive eyes and knew that Qi Wanyang was speaking from the heart.

She tilted her head and smiled playfully: “Hey, don’t thank me so fast.” With a mischievous look, Gu Linlang suddenly leaned in close, her tone a little sly: “I need a small favor from Ms. Qi~”

Qi Wanyang instinctively leaned back, her head nearly touching the car window glass.

Gu Linlang’s unique perfume scent instantly washed over her, carrying a clear, floral fragrance, like a summer breeze—sweet and comforting—yet it also made her feel nervous.

She watched Gu Linlang’s long eyelashes almost brush her nose. Her throat tightened involuntarily: “Tell me…”

“Let me intern at Qi’an.” Gu Linlang propped one hand on the car door frame. Her warm breath gently brushed Qi Wanyang’s ear. The Tear of the Deep Sea bracelet on her wrist reflected fragmented, shimmering light.

“Ms. Qi, the date on this document is incorrect.” Early the next morning, Assistant Dai Na handed a document to Qi Wanyang.

Qi Wanyang looked up from the pile of documents on her desk and took the document from Dai Na.

Following Dai Na’s indication, she saw that she had indeed signed yesterday’s date.

“Print a new one.” Qi Wanyang closed the file, her voice calm with no discernible emotion.

Dai Na had already prepared the corrected version. At her instruction, she spread the new document on the desk.

Qi Wanyang confirmed every word, then resigned her name and today’s date, affixing the company’s stamp.

“Thank you for your hard work.” Qi Wanyang handed the newly signed document to Dai Na.

“Not at all. Ms. Qi, you are the one working hard,” Dai Na’s tone held a hint of worry. “After returning from Gu Sheng yesterday, you had a board meeting that lasted all night. You must not have rested well last night.” She knew that with Ms. Qi’s work capability and attention to detail, she would never usually make such a basic mistake.

Qi Wanyang gently shook her head, a faint smile on her lips: “I’m fine. You go ahead and get busy.”

“Yes, Ms. Qi.” Dai Na held the document and exited the CEO’s office.

Watching the light reflect off the closed frosted glass door, Qi Wanyang couldn’t help but fall into recollection.

“Why?” Yesterday in the car, when Gu Linlang suddenly proposed interning at Qi’an, Qi Wanyang had asked, stunned.

Gu Linlang blinked, an embarrassed smile on her face: “I just suddenly felt like it. Does Wanyang not welcome me?”

Another intimate “Wanyang,” delivered with a hint of a coaxing tone.

Qi Wanyang felt her heart skip a beat. It was as if all her power to resist and refuse had vanished in that moment.

“How could I not welcome you, it’s just that…” Before Qi Wanyang could finish her sentence, Gu Linlang suddenly extended her index finger and lightly pressed it against her lips.

However, the next second, Gu Linlang quickly withdrew her hand as if she had received an electric shock, a flash of panic crossing her face.

“Well, then it’s settled.” Gu Linlang finished hurriedly, then pushed open the car door. “I just remembered I need to buy a few things. I won’t go back yet. See you tomorrow morning! I’ll be reporting to Qi’an.”

Qi Wanyang watched Gu Linlang run away quickly like a startled rabbit, her figure gradually disappearing around the corner.

In that moment, in the confined space of the car, she realized her own heartbeat was exceptionally clear. The car’s air freshener smelled sickly sweet, as if the air itself had become thick.

If Gu Linlang really came to intern at Qi’an, wouldn’t that mean they could see each other often?

Qi Wanyang looked at the mountain of documents piled on her desk. Thinking about Gu Linlang’s internship, her mood was a complex mix of feelings.

“Sigh.” She couldn’t help but sigh heavily. Her gaze went through the floor-to-ceiling window to the tall buildings in the distance, her mind racing.

Honestly, she completely didn’t understand what Gu Linlang was thinking these past few days.

After the unannounced departure in Japan, Qi Wanyang thought Gu Linlang would completely cut ties with her. She never expected this turn of events.

Gu Linlang not only did everything she could to stop Lu Yifei from approaching her but also secured the investment for her, and now she suddenly wanted to intern at Qi’an, right by her side.

But the current Qi’an was already a place full of hidden dangers, a vortex of trouble. One wrong step, and she could be pulled under. Why did Gu Linlang insist on wading into these murky waters?

“Ms. Qi, it’s Miss Gu. She said…” Dai Na’s voice suddenly came from outside the door, with a hint of surprise in her tone.

When Qi Wanyang heard the words “Miss Gu,” her heart gave a tremendous lurch. Her pen clattered onto the desk. She almost instinctively stood up from her seat, moving so abruptly that she knocked over a stack of documents, scattering papers all over the floor.

Dai Na stared in astonishment at the usually composed and elegant Ms. Qi’s chaotic demeanor and momentarily forgot how to react.

Gu Linlang, who had followed her upstairs, peeked out from behind Dai Na, her face bright with a clear smile. She waved at Qi Wanyang: “Good morning, Wanyang. Oh, I should call you Ms. Qi at the company, right~”

Qi Wanyang stood frozen, her eyes drawn uncontrollably to Gu Linlang.

Although she had been up all night trying to convince herself to accept the fact that Gu Linlang would be interning at Qi’an, her heart rate still went erratic the moment Gu Linlang casually appeared before her.

Gu Linlang was wearing a business suit similar to Dai Na’s today—a short-sleeved blazer paired with a knee-length skirt, black heels, and her chestnut-colored wavy hair neatly tied into a ponytail. She looked refreshed and capable.

However, her vibrant spirit and confident smile were starkly different from the restrained manner of a typical assistant.

Qi Wanyang took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil. Her voice was as steady as possible: “Dai Na, you can go now. Gu…” She paused, then sighed lightly, “Linlang, come sit down for a moment.”

Dai Na stood by the door, her gaze flicking between the two, her eyes full of confusion and curiosity. She opened her mouth as if to ask something but ultimately said nothing, obediently retreating from the office and softly closing the door behind her.

Qi Wanyang led Gu Linlang to the reception area, and they both sat on the sofa.

“Why?” Qi Wanyang immediately voiced the same question she had asked yesterday.